Tuesday, July 8, 2014

R & R

Lazy and moving slow. I'm near the finish of my annual vacation and just returned from several days on the road, visiting family and friends far away. Our Independence Day holiday was the perfect foil for my personal independence from responsibility.

We had a small gathering of the clan up north, including the Cityfolks and Citygrandbaby. It was wonderful to see people catch up when they've spent years apart. It's amazing where their lives have taken them, how they've matured, and what their plans are for the (near) future, but still see that strong connection to their past.

I was able to connect with some older friends on this trip, which made it even sweeter. We spent an evening sitting on the front porch until after dark, chatting away. I found out who has moved, who is doing well, and who has recently married. I keep thinking of that saying: "Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold." Yes, they truly are gold. We have history. We've been through both good and not-so-good, each had our own problems, shared laughs, put together suppers from the "nothings" deep in the kitchen cabinets, and made life a little friendlier. We aren't offended by the others' political leanings. In fact, it may make being friends more interesting. Email will never replace a front porch.

The mountain views and the sunsets were magnificent. I'll never know why I didn't think about taking photos. I just let them burn their images into my memory. The details may fade but I'll still see them as magical. Even the day it drizzled on and off. The soft mist made the mountains more lush. Right now I can see the grass at the park, worn and browned where it gets the most foot traffic. Green and soft under the trees where we sat.

I came back with no souvenirs...no thrifted finds. This time my car trunk came home filled with dirty clothes.....and one pound of terrific coffee beans ;)

So tonight I may fall asleep on the couch, one last night of independence. Tomorrow morning I'll have some of that coffee, pack up a lunch, leave for work and get ready to face so very many unread emails!

Hi there, thanks for your comment on my blog and I'm delighted you're joining in with the Vintage Pledge. I'm intrigued by your mention of the 60s and 70s patterns you have. Do you have a good collection? We're wanting to interview people about their vintage pattern stashes and I am keen to get a range of eras represented. Please comment on my blog/email me on kerry@kestrelmakes.com if you want to discuss this

The 4 Bushel Farmgal

Where I've been, where I'm going

So far it’s been a good life. I’ve lived in both rural and metro areas, waited tables and reviewed chromatograms, rounded up loose sheep and spent beautiful summer evenings at concerts in Central Park. I’ve painted a house, kissed the Blarney stone, and pushed a lawn mower with a baby on my back. Currently I’m working 9 to 5, going to the gym, sneaking a donut, a good book, or a visit with my grown sons when I can. Where do I go from here? I'd like a small house with enough land to homestead.